Rayner, Michael
Rayner, Michael William
January 26, 1971 - January 6, 2023It is with broken hearts that we share that Michael left us on January 6, 2023.
He is desperately missed by the three loves of his life, his best friend Julie Purkis, and their boys Finn and Ben. Michael loved Julie & his boys fiercely and his best moments were spent laughing and living life with them.
Michael also leaves behind his mother Patricia Laufman, stepfather Victor Laufman, brother Terry Rayner, stepbrother Cory Laufman and his wife Kelly, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him.
He is greatly missed by his Purkis family: Jim and Nancy, Michael and Lauren and his nephews Turner, Joey, Mason and Tommy and niece, Kate as well as extended Turner - Purkis – Minhinnick – Roberts cousins & friends.
Michael was a gift to those who knew him. He always had a joke at the ready, and a collection of “fancy” beer to share with his buds. He never took on a project without planning for perfection - from every Solitudes / Somerset recording he mastered to creating the perfect viewing experience for The Tragically Hip final show outside by the lake at the cottage. He will be remembered for so much including his incredible talent on the guitar – his early “rock star” days with his friends in Smokin’ Mary Jane, his ski club shows with Spread Eagle & the Back Scratchers, jams at his annual Friends Reunion and his appearances at the Kahshe Lake Shaker. He loved fishing with his boys, sitting on the front porch in the sun, a good rib eye with a glass of red and his signature “Potatoes à la Rayner”, and snuggling up with Ruby, the family dog. And while he is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.
Thank you to our friends and family for wrapping us in love during this difficult time and to the very special people who supported Michael and our family through this journey. You know who you are, and we will never be able to thank you for all you have done.
There will be a gathering in the spring to celebrate Michael’s life and to remember him through friendship, stories, and music.
While flowers are lovely and a bright spot during this difficult time, we would also encourage donations in Michael’s name to The GenWell Project (www.genwellproject.org), an organization dedicated to championing mental health and wellness through social connection.
